Events for April 15-21
Tuesdays at the Capitol
April 16, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.: "Gig-making"
On April 16th, blacksmiths Bernard Tappel (Jefferson City) and his apprentice, Doug Knight (Owensville), will display the art of Osage/Gasconade River “gig-making” and talk about “gigging,” a traditional way to spear fish at night, particularly suited to the clear rivers and streams of the region. Gigs are made by blacksmithing methods; using coal forge, hammer and anvil to heat and shape metal into a multi-pronged barbed spear. Gigging is an old and important tradition in Mr. Tappel’s family and region where he grew up and still lives.
Born near Westphalia, on a farm located in the Osage River bottoms, Mr. Tappel grew up gigging on the Osage and Maries Rivers with his family. Among his most precious possessions are two old family gigs, one of which was his grandfathers. Mr. Tappel began blacksmithing 34 years ago. He first experimented on his own and further advanced his skills learning from several highly skilled blacksmiths. Discouraged with the overall quality and look of factory made gigs; he discovered local gig-makers were dying out. He started to create gigs for himself, family and friends. Through word of mouth his reputation for finely crafted gigs spread. Since that time he has made well over 500 gigs used throughout the Osage/Gasconade River region. Apprentice Doug Knight shares a love of gigging and local river culture. He fondly recalls learning how to gig with his father and brother using his Grandpa Knight’s hand forged gigs. Mr. Tappel is passing on his knowledge and skills to Mr. Knight to ensure the continuation of hand forged gig making in the region.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Missouri Folk Arts Program to sponsor the 25th year of “Tuesdays at the Capitol." This annual event brings Missouri’s best traditional artists to the Missouri State Museum for demonstrations and displays of Missouri’s diverse craft traditions. This year, the program will take place on April 16th and 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Missouri State Museum, located on the first floor of the State Capitol in Jefferson City. These gifted Missouri artists are current participants in the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, which pairs exemplary master traditional artists with talented apprentices to pass artistic and cultural traditions on to the next generation.
May 1, 7 p.m.: "Orphan Train to Missouri"
Guest speaker Shirley Andrews will talk about her mother's experience as an orphan train rider to Missouri in 1901. Andrews' mother, Irma Craig, was one of the "foundlings" who found a new home in mid-Missouri. This program continues the programming series, "Museum after Hours," which occurs on the first Wednesday of each month. Missouri State Museum galleries stay open until 9 p.m. The program will take place in the museum classroom, which is located in the History Hall (east wing).
Last Thursday of each month, June - September, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Riverside Collections Facility: These "It's Your History" tours allow the public to go behind-the-scenes into our artifact collections facility and see some interesting collections not on display in our exhibit galleries.
June 27: Traveling: Ever wonder what it was like to travel with a trunk? Join us to see some of the Museum's collection of artifacts related to travel
July 25: World War I Artifacts: The Museum has a large collection of World War I-related items. Come learn about early 20th century weapons.
August 29: Currency: What's your money made of? Old and new currency comes in all shapes and sizes. Come see some currency!
September 26: Quilts: Yo-yo, Crazy, Roase of Sharon . . . Not toys and flowers, but quilts!
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